I’m very pleased to announce that the playground renovation in the Lawrence Park (behind the Locke Library) is now complete!

After two years of working to secure the necessary funds and battling water drainage problems in the park, our community is now home to an improved and revitalized park for all ages. This newly animated green space includes swings, slides and picnic tables, as well as a brand new shaded sandbox and improved walkway lighting.

A grand opening community celebration and ribbon-cutting will be held next spring.

Until then, I encourage you to go out and enjoy this incredible new space while the weather is still nice!

Update - May 30, 2014

After a series of meetings with senior Parks staff, I am pleased to announce we are making progress on the revitalization of Lawrence Park (at the southeast corner of Yonge and Lawrence behind Locke Library).

Sta have finalized their drainage solution and work will be completed this summer.

Parks staff are also in the process of hiring a landscape architect to complete the designs for the new park, including a new playground and landscaping.

I’ll be holding a public meeting to give the community a chance to have input into the design! Stay tuned for further information about a neighbourhood meeting in my upcoming newsletters!

August 27, 2013

I am pleased to announce that the revitalization of Lawrence Park (at the southeast corner of Yonge and Lawrence behind Locke Library) is well underway!

As you may have noticed, Mother Nature is trying to recapture the section of Lawrence Park behind Locke Library. Due to the park’s location in a natural bowl, there are substantial flooding and drainage issues when it rains.

While we need to address these drainage issues, this is a fantastic opportunity to revitalize the playground and surrounding park.

We have already started to brainstorm different ways to deal with the flooding problem, and this month I will be meeting with senior city staff and residents to finalize an environmentally-friendly and sustainable solution. As soon as the drainage problems are addressed, we can design and install a new playground and revitalize the entire area!

Jo’Ann Alderson, Erin Nella and Elaine Newman deserve special thanks for taking the lead on this project and forming the Lawrence Park Ravine Revitalization Committee. I encourage you to visit their website, submit your ideas and get involved!